Abstract: The present invention describes mirrored adenoassociated virus genomes that can spontaneously fold to form double-stranded DNA structures capable of directing efficient RNA transcription in mammalian cell nuclei. Also described are mirrored adenoassociated viral particles that incorporate the mirrored vector genome and a suitable adenoassociated viral capsid. Further described are DNA templates and methods for producing the mirrored adenoassociated vector genomes and mirrored adenoassociated viral particles. Methods of administering these reagents to mammals are also described as are specific in vitro and in vivo applications where the mirrored adenoassociated virus has unique utility.